Linkage synthesis is designing a linkage to meet a desired output. Since most linkages are capable of complex motion, this has been a daunting task except for specific linkages with predictable motion. In this article we will look at various types of linkage synthesis. Before getting to far, we need to define the term “precision …
The slider crank is a very common linkage that is found in a variety of machines. The most recognizable version of the slider crank is found in an engine in the form of a crank shaft, connecting rod, piston, and cylinder. This mechanism also comes in different forms called slider crank inversions. The slider crank …
Hydraulic cylinders are the muscle of a hydraulic system. In this article we’ll present the equations for hydraulic cylinder calculations and discuss efficiency. Cylinder Equations – SI These are the formulas for SI units. All formulas are for theoretical values. Cylinder Equations – US These are the formulas for US units. All formulas are for …
Hydraulic pumps are the heart of a hydraulic system. In this article we’ll present the equations for hydraulic pump calculations and explore efficiencies. We’ll start with the equations in SI and US units. Pump Equations – SI Pump Equations – US Hydraulic Pump Efficiencies There are three types of efficiency associated with a hydraulic pump. …
In this article we’ll dive into hydraulic motor calculations and the important topic of efficiency. Many hydraulic calculators ignore efficiency altogether and merely calculate theoretical values with 100% efficiency. Manufacturers typically don’t get too deep into efficiency either. First we’ll present the equations for various parameters of a hydraulic motor in both SI and US …
The planetary gear train is an important, but complex mechanism. When it comes to analyzing rotation directions and gear speeds, intuition is not enough. We’ll look at the superposition method to determine speeds and rotation directions. For a planetary (a.k.a. epicyclic) gear train there are three possible inputs/outputs: two gears and the planetary gear carrier. …
In this article we’ll look at spiral bevel gear forces that result from gear mesh. These forces are important to determine the loads on shafts and bearings. Spiral bevel gears are useful when input and output shafts are not parallel. Most often, spiral bevel gear shafts are 90 degrees apart. Anatomy of a Bevel Gear …
In this article we’ll look at straight bevel gear forces that result from gear mesh. These forces are important to determine the loads on shafts and bearings. Straight bevel gears are useful when input and output shafts are not parallel. Most often, straight bevel gear shafts are 90 degrees apart. Anatomy of a Bevel Gear …
In this article we’ll look at helical gear forces that result from gear mesh. These forces are important to determine the loads on shafts and bearings. Unlike spur gears, single helical gears generate an axial force. This thrust can be canceled by using a double helical gear (herringbone). This article focuses on single helical gears. …
In this article we’ll look at spur gear forces that result from gear mesh. These forces are important to determine the loads on shafts and bearings. Gear Mesh When two spur gears mesh, their pitch circles touch as shown below. Looking at the free body diagrams for each gear, there is a normal force acting …